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Table linens are such an important part of decorating your table. Changes in tablecloths or runners, or linen napkins with silver napkin rings create a formal feel. A simple runner and casual placemats work well for casual get-togethers. Photo by ralph and jenny.

Garden parties are so easy to put together and the great outdoors provides fantastic ambiance. The sound of the birds and the smell of the flowers help make garden parties far more interesting, to me at least, than a cocktail party indoors. Besides, you can really have fun with tabletop colors and it is the perfect place to bring out the "quirky" items.

The placemats are like a decorators little secret. You can inexpensively change them up with different colors and styles to help set the mood for your event. Since your guests will sit in front of these for the whole meal they can have quite an impact. These sophisticated mats, for example, will make guest feel important.

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Placemats Insights

A placemat is the protective layer between your hot or frozen dish and the tablecloth and table underneath. It keeps the extreme temperatures from damaging your table and the placemat keeps spilled food and beverages from doing harm to your table. While it is a decorative item, you should not consider it optional. Placemats can be made from any number of materials, often washable or at least wipe clean.

Don’t let the functionality stop you from being creative and stylish with your table setting. You can coordinate colors and textures with the rest of your table setting. Remember you may need small placemats under your serving dishes in addition to guest plates.